The Son of Iniquity Summary and Analysis

Luther's enemies boast that he will be burned at the stake within a month for his heresy. Instead he is received at Heidelberg as a guest of honor. Luther is not shunned by his brothers. While the ninety-five theses are given to the printer for all Germany, it is only intended for professional theologians. Because Luther denies the pope's power to release from or consign people to purgatory, he is under the ban, but he preaches anyway. Luther claims his excommunication only affects the external fellowship of the Church on earth and has nothing to do with the grace of God. Luther goes on to say that no man can separate another from the love of Christ.

The Catholic Church declares anyone who does not accept the doctrine of the Roman Church and of the...